Fly Free with The Craft's Meow

I hope you are enjoying the previews. We sure are enjoying showing them :-). Today, we're featuring the Fly Free stamp set. It's a small set, but is so versatile.

It comes with a birdcage image, some butterflies and three sentiments. And wait till you see Sarah Martina's card kit that uses it. Wow, pure gorgeousness (but everything she makes is!)!

I decided to make a little note card using this set and Pink Paislee's Butterfly Garden collection, which is what Sarah uses in her kit. Here's the front.

And the side view:

And here's a card using the My Mind's Eye Stella Rose papers:

Now, you're wondering what the prizes are for today's previews:

1. Fly Free stamp set (being showcased today)!!!
2. Lush 2 Orange Prize Package from My Mind's Eye!!! Includes one each of the patterned and flocked papers shown, plus all the accessories!!! Thanks again Nick!!!
3. Sarah's Fly Free Card Kit!!!
   

Once again, the prizes will be awarded based on random drawing from the comments left on THREE of the Team blogs listed below! You won't know whose blog has the prize... neither do I, actually, until I draw from a hat...so you'll want to leave a comment on each blog for more chances to win. But please play fair... only ONE comment per blog!

You have until 11:00 pm Pacific tonight (April 30th) to make the rounds! The winners will be announced in tomorrow's post on The Craft's Meow Blog.

So off you go! Enjoy your first looks at Fly Free!!! Simply click on the links to be taken to the blogs to see the featured projects.

The Craft's Meow Blog

Amy Tsuruta

Debbie Pamment

Heather Jensen (on the TCM's blog)

Ivana Camdzic

Jean Martin

Kim Yu

Lindsay Amrhein

Sarah Martina Parker

And, of course, another way to win is to Like our Facebook Page by April 30th! A set of the four stamp sets being released May 1st are up for grabs for every 100 Likes!

See you tomorrow for the release and blog hop!!! And a look at the fourth and final stamp set... one that was inspired by my girls!

Happiness Is...

Welcome to the second day of previews of The Craft's Meow's new stamps, available for purchase on May 1st. Today, the TCM team is showcasing the Happiness Is set. I had so much fun drawing these images. The set includes line art (perfect for Copic lovers) and solid images. It also has two bee images. They're little, but they took me more time to draw than the flowers. There are several phrases that will allow you to make 4 sentiments.

Here is my first card using the solid images. The papers are again Stella Rose by My Mind's Eye.

For my second card, I decided to use the line art and practice my coloring with Copics.

Just like yesterday, there are prizes up for grabs:

1. Happiness is... stamp set
2. Prize Package donated by My Mind's Eye from the Lush 2 Turquoise Collection!!! Includes one each of the patterned and flocked papers shown, plus all the accessories!!! Thank you Nick!!!
3. Maya Road The Sweetest Days Shadowbox Kit!!!

Once again, the prizes will be awarded based on random drawing from the comments left on THREE of the Team blogs listed below! You won't know whose blog has the prize... neither do I, actually, until I draw from a hat...so you'll want to leave a comment on each blog for more chances to win. But please play fair... only ONE comment per blog!

You have until 11:00 pm Pacific tonight (April 29th) to make the rounds! The winners will be announced in tomorrow's post.

Here's the TCM DTs' links for more card samples and a chance to win!

The Craft's Meow Blog

Amy Tsuruta

Debbie Pamment

Heather Jensen

Ivana Camdzic

Jean Martin

Kim Yu

Lindsay Amrhein

Sarah Martina Parker

For more chances to win, make sure you become a fan of The Craft's Meow's Facebook page. TCM will give away all 4 new sets per 100 fans!

The Craft's Meow's Simply Delightful

The day I've been waiting for is finally here! Today marks the very first day I get to preview my very first stamps with The Craft's Meow. The TCM team is previewing the Simply Delightful set, which will be available for purchase on May 1st.

Simply Delightful has a big lacy image, which is the focal point of my cards below. It also has flowers, leaves and 3 sentiments. These stamps also coordinate well with the new My Mind's Eye's Stella Rose papers, which are so lovely.

I wanted to show you two different style cards using the same stamps. The first one is my favorite, shabby chic.

And if you're a frequent visitor to my blog, you know how much I love to make and give away card sets. Here's a CAS (clean and simple) design to make them easy to mass produce. I just used strips of patterned paper and stitched them on the front. I picked the cardstock colors based on the colors of the patterned papers.

A release this exciting needs LOTS of prizes to celebrate, and LOTS of prizes are what we have for you! Each day of previews there will be not one, not two, but THREE prizes up for grabs! Today's prize offerings are:

1. Simply Delightful Stamp Set (being showcased today)
2. A My Mind's Eye Hazel 6 x 6 paper pad from the Stella & Rose collection
3. A My Mind's Eye Gertie 6 x 6 paper pad from the Stella & Rose collection

The prizes will be awarded based on random drawing from the comments left on THREE of the Team blogs listed below! You won't know whose blog has the prize... neither do I, actually, until I draw from a hat...so you'll want to leave a comment on each blog for more chances to win. But please play fair... only ONE comment per blog!

You have until 11:00 pm Pacific tonight (April 28th) to make the rounds! The winners will be announced in tomorrow's post.

Here is the rest of the TCM Crew's blogs where you can feast on some yummy eye candies:

The Craft's Meow Blog

Amy Tsuruta

Debbie Pamment

Heather Jensen

Ivana Camdzic

Jean Martin

Kim Yu

Lindsay Amrhein

Sarah Martina Parker

I've been so busy designing the last few weeks that, unfortunately, card making has to take a back seat. The good news is I'm creating lots of new stamp sets that I hope you will love. I don't think I've ever been this productive before with my illustrating, but I'm not complaining. :-) I have lots to share in the next few months! I can't wait!

I did make this for this week's Card Pattern's sketch. Our sponsor is Paper Makeup Stamps, which provided the image I used below. It was colored with Copics and framed with the Spellbinders Labels 10. The sentiment is SRM Sticker Sentiments Birthday. The papers are October Afternoon.

Finally, here's the final snippet of my new The Craft's Meow stamps. This is my favorite of all of the new release because it was inspired by my sweet girls. And tomorrow the preview cards begin!

SRM Card Set and More Sneak Peeks

My card set project is being featured on the SRM blog today using some Pink Paislee's Soiree Collection and yummy SRM Stickers We've Got Your Sticker Plus and Sticker Sentiments Congratulations.

Here is one of the cards in the set. You can see the rest of the cards and the super simple packaging I made for in the SRM Blog. It would make a great hostess gift.

And here are a couple more sneak peeks of two of my new stamp designs being released on May 1st by The Craft's Meow. What do you think? :-) Do you want to win these and 2 other stamp sets I'm releasing? Then, go like The Craft's Meow FACEBOOK page to be entered to win.

Rejoice!

Resurrection Sunday or Easter is the biggest holiday among Christians. Jesus's resurrection from the dead is the basis of our faith. Because Christ conquered death and sin, we have hope for eternal life. Because He is risen just as He said, He has provided for us a way to know God and opened the door to enjoy Him forever! And that is a BIG reason to REJOICE!

May this holiday bring you to the foot of the cross and see Christ for who He is - Almighty God who took the sin of the world upon Himself to bring salvation to an undeserving world. Be all glory and honor be to Him today and forever!

Here are some cards for the Layers of Color's Faith Art Friday to celebrate this beloved holiday.

Stamps: Layers of Color's Gothic Crosses, Garden Borders and The Love Chapter. The sentiments are by Gina K Designs.

The Craft's Meow Sneak Peeks Have Begun!

I know I promised pictures of our latest family excursion to a town with a 1st century arena that still stands. I've been so busy. My girls and I spent 5 hours today cleaning the old flower boxes and filling them with beautiful blossoms. It was a long day, but totally worth it. I can't wait to show you when our flowers are a bit bigger.

In the meantime, here is the snippet of one of the FOUR stamp sets that The Craft's Meow is releasing May 1st. The previews will start next week. I can't wait! I've seen some of the DT's cards and I know you will love them! I am so blessed to have these ladies design with my stamps.

This set coordinates with some of my favorite new paper collections. Go to the TCM blog to find out which ones. The Craft's Meow will be selling these coordinating papers as well.

BIG Announcement from The Craft's Meow team!

I was gone all day today, sightseeing in a town 3.5 hours away where there is a well-preserved Roman-era arena still stands. It was a great day! I'll share photos tomorrow!

In the meantime, have you seen the latest news from The Craft's Meow! I am so thrilled to have these ladies create with my stamps! I can't wait till next week when the sneak peeks begin. Woohoo!

Card making with my girls

When Simon Says Stamps issued a challenge for kids to enter their cards, my girls couldn't wait to get started. I gave them some October Afternoon papers, cardstocks and their favorite SRM Stickers. They had so much fun making these.

Here's my 9-year-old Gaby's card. She is the one who enjoys crafting with mommy the most.

Here's my 11-year-old Gracie's card. She's likes to craft too, but not as much as reading.

Last but not the least, my 5-year-old Katy's card. She likes to stamp with mommy and is my biggest fan.

Tomorrow's officially the first day of spring break and it's been so beautiful here. So, we'll be hanging outside a lot and working on our flower boxes and hopefully finish by this weekend :-). I love my flowers and can't wait to show you. Have a great spring day!

Happy brithday Flower

Something exciting happened last night...my girls tasted their very first Peeps! A friend is visiting from America and brought us some. I'm personally not a big fan, and I think my girls are like me. My policy is always, if I'm going to waste calories, I'd rather waste them on chocolate :-).

Today's card uses a technique that I learned from the Hero Arts blog called Stamp Layering. This card took me more than the usual 30 minutes or less, but I really enjoyed the process. The layering was inspired by LilyPad's Sunday Video. You need to check it out.

I used Hero Arts' Big Flower Pattern clear set and Envelope Pattern stamp, which I stamped on the polka dot patterned paper. The sentiment is SRM WGYS Happy. The green papers are by October Afternoon. The kraft patterned papers are Basic Grey Kraft.

The brown layers are patterned papers, while the green layer is stamped then colored with Copic markers. I used my new favorite white cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest, for Copic coloring that my friend Asela sent me. It blends so well. I'm entering this to Copic Creations challenge to use our favorite paper for coloring.

The colors are inspired by the Play Date Cafe's challenge. And I'm also entering this to Scrapbook & Cards Today's current challenge.

Here's a close up shot to show the different layers.

Spring Smile

Today's card features Little Frieda's Daisy by The Craft's Meow. She is so much fun to color with my Copics and to paper piece. I made this for the Card Patterns sketch #111 and Simon Says Stamp Card for a Child Challenge. The papers are Echo Park's Springtime Collection.

The Craft's Meow is this week's sponsor atCard Patterns and I hope you can play with us. The prize is 3 Little Frieda stamps!

Exciting News!

This is my new logo! And why do I need one? That's because I will be designing my own line of stamps for The Craft's Meow. Make sure you check out the wonderful changes to the store and blog.

Not only do I get to design my own stamps for TCM, but I get to work with the most amazing ladies: Lisa Hjulberg (owner), Sarah Martina Parker and Alice Wertz. I have been a fan of them and I can't wait to see what beautiful things they'll create!

TCM's new release is May 1st with stamps by me and kits by Sarah and Alice. I can't wait! In the meantime, I will be upgrading my blog to match my logo, so if something doesn't look right, it's probably because I haven't finished upgrading.

Thank you for letting me share my wonderful news!

EDIT: I forgot to mention that The Craft's Meow now has a The Craft's Meow Facebook fan page. TCM will be giving away a set of my 4 stamp designs for every 100 fans they receive! Come and join us!

Gift Bag for Baby

Today's project is something I had so much fun making. Even though this gift bag is a little shabby, I think it's still okay to give to a baby boy. It was made using GinaK's Lovely Labels stamp set, SRM Sticker's Baby Sentiments, Webster's Pages' Lullably Lane papers, and Spellbinders Labels Four dies.

This gift bag is for the following challenges: Moxie Fab's Gift Wrap Challenge, Shabby Tea Room (inspiration photo using doilies/lace), Simon Says Stamp (something for a child), Simon Says and Show (use distressing: on my labels).

Dehoarding Project #1

A few months ago, I found out about a TV show about people who have hoarding problems. I didn't know what to think about the people they feature and the stuff they accumulate, but the show moved me to clean my bathroom at 12 midnight!

As a paper crafter, I can relate to the "hoarding" mentality. It is especially hard for me because I can't easily get supplies here if and when I run out. Thankfully, I have a very limited crafting space in our bedroom that FORCES me not to keep things. I still find myself acquiring things that are neglected after awhile. So, a few weeks ago, I decided to start what I call my "Dehoarding Project." I know it's a made up word, but I can't think of an antonym of hoarding. :-)

I gather my coordinating supplies and limit myself to a block of time. Then, I just start creating with them. This is a project I did for a friend's charity auction. The supplies I used:

• Basic Grey Curio Papers
• Basic Grey Curio Chipboard Stickers
• SRM Stickers Wishing You Well Sticker Sentiments
• ribbons, buttons, flowers, lace and bling

Time limit: 1.5 hours

Here are some tips I shared in a previous post about mass producing cards that I'll share here again:

• Use a paper collection to mix and match since they are already color coordinated for you. To get started, I cut 4" x 5.25" sheets of patterned papers. I then mix them with the others in the collection. And as much as you'd like to, resist keeping every little piece of leftover patterned paper. I usually don't keep anything that is smaller than a 4" x 4."
  
• Use the collection's colors as a guide and limit the colors you use for your card base.
• Follow a simple sketch to keep the creative juices flowing.
• Utilize available tools like punches, stamps and stickers to get the job done.

Here are two of the cards I made. You can see the other 4 in the SRM Blog post today. These papers make my cards look layered. And having the SRM Stickers make them super fast to create.

I packaged my cards in a box and sent them off for the charity auction. I love making card kits and to give them away. They make such a beautiful gift. How about you? Do you have any tips and tricks on how to use up the products you already have? Please do share :-).

On another note, I have something new and exciting coming up. Here's a little snippet:

Any guesses on what it could be? Hmmmm. :-)

Card Patterns Cards

Thank you all for your kind comments about my freebie giveaway on Friday. They encourage me to keep offering freebies. I am glad I could give something to you that you can use. I so appreciate your visits.

We've had a busy week with some friends visiting from America. Sadly, we have to say goodbye to them today. It was such a wonderful time of catching up, serving our small community here together and just spending time together. One of the best parts of hosting teams is that we get to witness others loving on our girls. That just touches my heart as a mom. And our friends totally doted on our kids. What a blessing! And God is good to bring them to our lives.

Today's cards are for Card Patterns sketch Challenge. Our sponsor for Sketch 110 is SRM Stickers. It's no secret how much I love my stickers. I am so glad to be designing for them. Many of you are probably like I was, never thought of using stickers on my cards and considered them staples ONLY for scrapbookers. I was so wrong...SRM converted me :-).

This card uses the SRM WGYS Plus Cupcake and some Pink Paislee Soiree papers. The ribbon is from the Michael's dollar bin.

The colors on my second card follow the muted version of this week's Play Date Cafe's PDCC76.All products are Stampin' Up! except for the sentiment, which is from Layers of Color's Sent With Love, and the round doily (Spellbinders Floral Doily Accents dies).

Have a great week! I hope you can join us at Card Patterns!

Freebie Friday: Daffodils

It's been awhile since I offered a freebie on my blog. Here's a daffodil image I drew a few days ago that I'm giving away here for free as a thank you for your kind comments and regular visits. I hope you can use it.

Here is my card, which I'm entering to the Flourishes' Spring Has Sprung Challenge, Digis with Attitude! and Simon Says Stamps Challenge. The image was colored with my Copic markers and die cut using Spellbinders Labels 15, which I also used to sponge Memento Summer Sky as a background to my image.

Click on the photo to start downloading the free digi, which will not have the watermark. And leave me a comment, esp if you post online your project using it. Please take the time to read my Terms of Use that's included in the download. Thank you!

Enjoy your weekend!

Octopus Hugs

My card today uses the GinaK Make a Splash stamps by Asela. I colored the octopus with Copics. The papers are Cosmo Cricket Salt Air. The main image was die cut using Spellbinders Labels 17.

The sketch follows Deborah's card in the LilyPad Cards' Make This Card Beautiful Challenge. I'm also entering this to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge (to make a card for a child).